“Thai Boxing” or “Muay Thai”, as the Thai people call it, is a traditional art of Thai self-defense. It is different from international boxing and kickboxing; in that feet, elbows, and knees are used as well as fists in the Thai style of unarmed fighting. Thus, it more resembles a real fight, and therefore is considered superior to all martial arts of self-defense. The original form of Muay Thai is a highly sophisticated form of martial arts, born out of conflict and war, and based on survival. The first trace of Muay Thai in history was in the year 1767: Nai Khanom Dtom, while in captivity of the Burmese fought 10 consecutive matches against Burmese boxers and defeated them all. He was highly commended by the Burmese King for his bravery and skills. His extraordinary exploit is recorded in school textbooks and is known to every Thai school students today.

Muay Thai does not earn belt colors, typical of Karate and Tai Kwan Do.Instead, Muay Thai practitioners test their skills in the ring. In 1930, modern Muay Thai was born, leather gloves, rounds per bout and weight classes became standard. In 1964, the Japanese dopted Muay Thai, modified it and called it “Kickboxing”. Today, Thai military, as well as the U.S. Seal teams and members of the CIA, continue to use its effective striking techniques. It is also the National Sport of Thailand.

Muay Thai utilizes all of the body’s natural weapons: feet, fists, elbows, shins, and knees. Centuries of experience coupled with modern technology and training methods have produced this extremely efficient martial art. The use of safe training and proper guidelines has made Muay Thai an art that anybody can practice. Muay Thai is geared to a person’s limitations and abilities. With the elimination of the abstract training that is found in Karate, the practitioner can enjoy very fast progress by hands-on training through the pads, bags, and controlled sparring. In America, Muay Thai is quietly sweeping across the country. It is growing in strength and recognition by its practitioners and competitors from many of the major martial art systems here. Many of them have tried to imitate the skills and styles of Muay Thai. Unfortunately, only a few provide real Muay Thai training, and Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym is one of them. If you think you have what it takes to be a Thai fighter, or have the spirit for competition and the eyes on the prize, or just want to learn self-defense, have self-confidence, discipline, weight control and physical fitness, then look no further: Muay Thai Kickboxing Gym in North Hollywood is the one for you.